MADERA COUNTY — Sheriff John Anderson has announced that the Madera County Sheriff’s Office will provide two drop off sites when the department hosts its third Take Back Drug event scheduled for April.
Both drop-off locations will provide easy access and available parking to the public.
Sheriff Anderson says a good number of Madera County citizens and professional organizations missed out on the opportunity this past fall. For that reason, he is releasing this announcement well in advance of the Apr. 26 event to make sure the public is given ample notice.
“This is a free public service we offer to all Madera County citizens, Schools, and Assisted Living Centers who need a safe and secure location to turn in unwanted prescription and non prescription drugs,” said Anderson.
The Madera County Sheriff’s Office hosts this event twice annually – in the spring and in the fall.
“Our goal,” says Anderson, “is to collect all unused, unwanted, or expired medications and destroy them in a non-hazardous manner.”
This past October, the Madera County Sheriff’s Office collected 250 pounds of unwanted prescription drugs.
Collection Day Protocols –
· Controlled, non-controlled, and over the counter substances may be collected. The general public is often unaware of the distinction in medication status.
· This program protects the anonymity of all citizens who wish to dispose their medications. No questions or requests for identification will be made to anyone dropping off unwanted, unused or expired medicines.
· Participants may dispose of medications in its original container or by removing the medication from original containers and disposing of it directly into the disposal box. If an original container is submitted, the individual is encouraged to remove any identifying information from the prescription label.
· All solid dosage pharmaceutical products and liquids in consumer containers may be accepted. Liquid products, such as cough syrup, should remain sealed in their original container. The depositor should ensure that the cap is tightly sealed to prevent leakage.
· Intra-venous solutions, injectibles, and syringes will not be accepted due to potential hazard posed by blood borne pathogens.
· Illicit substances such as marijuana or methamphetamine are not a part of this initiative and should not be placed in collection containers. If an individual attempts to surrender an illicit controlled substance, law enforcement personnel will handle such material as abandoned property in accordance with drug policies.
· Drugs are to be placed in designated drop boxes that will be set up in both Oakhurst and Madera. Law enforcement personnel will not handle the medications at any time.
· No hazardous materials or waste, firearms, or any other items other than pharmaceuticals will be accepted or disposed of at the collection sites.
The Take Back event will be Apr. 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the following locations:
LOCATION 1: Madera County Sheriff’s Main Office, 14143 Road 28, Madera, CA
LOCATION 2: Madera Sheriff’s Oakhurst Office, 48267 Liberty Drive, Oakhurst, CA
